August 2010
Staff and students from Saint Ignatius’ College in Adelaide have returned from a special trip to Vietnam and Cambodia where they were given a rare opportunity to work with a variety of non-government organisations.
These organisations included the Tabitha Foundation in Cambodia with whom the group spent time with to assist local contractors construct simple houses for poverty-stricken families near Phnom Penh.
Saint Ignatius’ College teacher Vanessa Kingsborough led the group of 16 students and five staff, which returned with the knowledge that they were able to make a genuine difference in the lives of less fortunate families.
“The students prepared for this trip for almost a year, meeting once a fortnight since July 2009 to ready themselves for the cultural challenges and to learn more about the local people and how they live,” said Ms Kingsborough.
“They also learned basic construction skills so that they could help build as many houses as possible for local families.
“The group managed to build 10 houses and the reward was seeing the families gratefully accept ownership of their new homes.”
The tour group, which travelled through Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, also worked with Sister Denise Coglan, from Jesuit Refugee Service, to gain a greater understanding of how the organisation improves the quality of life for refugees and asylum seekers in Cambodia.
During the 20-day “Journey of the Heart” the group visited and worked with children and students in several orphanages throughout Cambodia and Vietnam, including Christina Noble Foundation, New Hope for Cambodian Children and New Day Cambodia.
“Our students played soccer with local children, taught them songs, danced and carried them around, and worked in the classroom and swapped stories with the older children,” said Ms Kingsborough.
“All of this interaction has been inspirational to the way they feel about caring for others and helping people in the future.
“The College has these programs in place to allow students and staff an opportunity to experience poverty first-hand and to give our students a chance to work with others less fortunate than they are.
“I know the students have returned home inspired by their experience of actively making a difference in other people’s lives, and will continue to participate in similar activities in the future.”
Further Information: Please contact St Ignatius’ College Tracey Finlay, Director of Development, on 8334 9356
Issued By Hughes Public Relations: Please contact Kieran Hall kieran@hughespr.com.au
